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Arunachal: Nod for CBI probe into APPSC question paper leak

The chief minister said such incidents of corruption demoralize the people.

Ziro: The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to recommend a CBI probe into the alleged Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) assistant engineer (civil) examination question paper leakage fiasco.

This was on Monday informed by chief minister Pema Khandu who said that the recommendation would be sent to the premier investigating agency of the country by the day’s end.

Terming the development as unfortunate, Khandu said, “Though the BJP government has been trying its best to root out corruption from the state, it seems to make a comeback in one form or the other.”

Likewise, corruption has made its comeback in the APPSC this time which is one of the premier recruitment agencies of the state. This has not only shaken the government but the entire state, especially the youths who have been studying hard with a dream of serving the state, Khandu said while addressing reporters here.

The chief minister said such incidents of corruption demoralize the people.

“I’ve been trying a lot to bring about reformation and transformation in the state; however, even I am demoralized now. Hence, looking into the gravity of the situation I am recommending this matter to the CBI for further investigation,” Khandu said.

The chief minister said that a CBI probe would help get clarity into the entire fiasco and would also set precedent so that no one dares to commit acts of corruption in the APPSC as well as the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board.

Khandu further said the APPSC and the state government have already constituted enquiry committees to look into the question paper leakage fiasco.

The transformations and reformations that need to be made in the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the Commission would be made after we get the reports from these committees, the chief minister said.

With regards to the future of the aspirants who missed their last chance, Khandu said that the matter would be discussed in the cabinet and they would be given “relaxation”.

It may be mentioned here that one Gyamar Padung, a candidate of the APPSC examination himself, had on August 29 filed a police complaint before the Itanagar police station claiming that he suspected that the AE (civil) examination paper had been leaked.

A case was accordingly registered after which 5 people including APPSC deputy secretary-cum-deputy controller of examination Taket Jerang have been arrested by the Capital police so far.

Several organizations have since been demanding the termination of Jerang as well as that of the APPSC chairman and secretary.

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